Lyon vs Manchester United

Manchester United head to the Groupama Stadium to take on Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie, looking to strengthen their outstanding all-time record against French opposition (W16, D10, L4). 

Lyon put FCSB to the sword in the round of 16, demolishing the Romanian outfit 7-1 on aggregate to set up their first European meeting with Manchester United in over 17 years. Lyon’s confidence received the ultimate confidence boost at the weekend as they hauled back a 1-0 deficit to beat fierce Ligue 1 rivals Lille 2-1 on home turf, making it six wins from their last seven competitive outings (L1). However, ‘Les Gones’ must make history to make it out of this tie, having failed to beat United in all four previous H2Hs (D2, L2). For perspective, they’ve only faced Barcelona (8) more often without winning in European football. As if that’s not troubling enough, Paulo Fonseca’s men have lost their last three two-legged ties against Premier League opposition. Yet, they can draw confidence from only losing three of their previous 28 European matches at the Groupama Stadium (W14, D11).

On the other hand, the Europa League represents Manchester United’s last opportunity to salvage a disastrous campaign as they look destined for a first bottom-half finish in the Premier League era following a scoreless draw against Manchester City last weekend. In stark contrast to their immense domestic struggles, Ruben Amorim’s charges remain the only team yet to lose a Europa League fixture this season after dismantling Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate to set up a new English record 28th UEFA quarter-final. Furthermore, the Red Devils haven’t lost the first leg of their last 11 major European knockout ties (W5, D6).